- 12 Days, 8 Countries. By far one of our most popular tours, you will visit all the must-see sights in Europe as you visit eight countries in 12 days.
- Tour commences and concludes in London. Additional accommodation is available before and after your tour, on request.
Includes:
- 11-night accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities, single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement for a private room
- Meals as mentioned
- Taxes and fees
- Any public transport used as part of the tour
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, TV for showing DVDs and toilet
- 18 experiences as mentioned in itinerary
Exclude:
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa
- personal expenses
Available Commencement Dates:
- 3, 7, 24 September 2018
- 8, 22 October 2018
- 12 November 2018
- 13 January 2019
- 10, 24 February 2019
- 10, 17, 24, 31 March 2019
- 7, 14, 21 , 28 April 2019
Hotels:
- Paris: Ibis la Defense B&B Porte Des Lilas or similar.
- Swiss Alps Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens Hotel Schonbhul or similar.
- Tuscany: Hotel Massimo d'Azeglio Hotel Meridiana Florence or similar.
- Munich: ACHAT Premium München-Süd Atrium Im Park Regensburg or similar.
- Rhine Valley: Rheinlust Ibis Bonn or similar.
- Rome: Hotel Cristoforo Colombo Hotel Club House Roma or similar.
- Venice: Elite Residence Hotel NH Laguna Palace or similar.
- Amsterdam: Holiday Inn Express Schipol Airport Park Inn Plaza Amsterdam Airport or similar
Itinerary:
Day One: London - Paris (D)
Welcome to your 12-day Europe tour. Leaving London, make your way to Paris, crossing the English Channel and arriving in the 'City of Lights' in the afternoon. They'll take you on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready - you'll be seeing some of the city's most treasured lanmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe.
After the driving tour you'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, an eclectic, bohemin and historic neighbourhood. You'll then travel back to the hotel on Paris' world famous metro system, ready to explore the city further on your free day tomorrow.
Day Two: Paris (B)
This is your free day to explore the city on your own. Your tour leader is brimming with ideas and local knowledge, so you can get the best out of your time here. Don't forget to find out where you can sample such French delicacies as frog legs and snails.
Day Three: Paris - Swiss Alps (B, D)
Au revoir Paris. Today you will sample a taste of small town France with a lunch stop in Burgundy. In the town of Beaune you can visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune, or try the famous wine. After lunch you will take a long scenic drive across the border into Switzerland and head towards the Swiss Alps for their stay in a typical mountain village in the heart of the Jungfrau region. This is one of the most visited regions of the Alps and also a World Heritage site, containing Europe's largest glacier. Welcome to the Swiss Alps, your home for the next two days.
Day Four: Swiss Alps (B)
Jungfraujoch is blessed with snow throughout the year and today you have the option to explore the 'Top of Europe' on one of their most popular excursions. The journey up the mountain is a highlight in itself, and you shall be shuttled to the highest railway station in the whole of Europe, and rewarded with the most inspirational views imaginable. Once at the top, frolic as you will. Alternatively, for those who are wishing to spend their free day exploring the local sights, you can head to Interlaken, feasting on Swiss chocolate fondue, do a spot of sightseeing and souvenir shopping, or just wander the village, breathing in that crisp, fresh, Alpine air.
Day Five: Swiss Alps - Florence - Tuscany (B)
It's time to swap snow for gelato, as you continue your European tour through northern Italy to Florence. Once you arrive, the local guide will show you around on a walking tour of the city. After some free time to further explore Florence, you will head to the accommodation for the evening, either in Florence or the spa town of Montecatini Terme.
Day Six: Tuscany - Pisa - Rome (B, D)
Today your Italian adventure continues. Stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This world famous Bell tower is immaculately presented. Continue on to Rome, where your tour leader will introduce you to the Italian capital from the comfort of your coach. This afternooon is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of an optional excursion to visit the Vatican City - the smallest country in the world. Inside the walls, you can visit the Sistine Chapel and see for yourself the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, as well as numerous other famous art pieces dotted around the buildings. On the way to your accommodation for the evening, you can start to plan what to do with your free day tomorrow.
Day Seven: Rome (B)
Rome wasn't built in a day, but luckily you have a free one, in which to explore the city to your hearts content. The city centre boasts ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a buzzing atmosphere like no other. The Colosseum is spectacular, offering fabulous views of the city, and an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time, to when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena. Later you will have the option of joining their 'Conquer the Capital' excursion, a fun-filled day of exploring Rome, seeing sights including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon and enjoying a delicious three-course lunch and gelato tasting.
Day Eight: Rome, Venice (B)
After roaming Rome, you shall now visit Venice on the next leg of your tour. Take note of the scenery on the way - vineyards and orchards flash in front of a majestic mountain backdrop. The diversity of the Italian landscapes will continue to impress. And then Venice - perched across 118 islands, and known for its canals, gondolas, masks, piazzas, art, glass and lace making. The evening is yours to enjoy authentic Italian delights, with fantastic local restaurants and bars to choose from. After an espresso, explore Venice the traditional way - from the canals. Take a gondola ride which gives you a completely different perspective and appreciation for the amazing structure of this supremely unique location.
Day Nine: Venice, Munich, Bavaria (B, D)
Heading north towards Germany, you will encounter some of the most beautiful countryside in central Europe. The famous Brenner Pass will appear before you, and simply take your breath away. Arriving in Munich in the afternoon, there is plenty of time for an escorted walking tour of the city centre. With much of the city having to be restored after WW2, the modern and ancient history of Munich is fascinating, and the appreciation of the effort to rebuild the German capital is gilded with respect. Munich plays host to one of the most famous beer festivals in the world - Oktoberfest. To give you a taste, this evening you will dine in a traditional beer hall, and enjoy a local stein on them.
Day 10: Bavaria, Rhine Valley (B, D)
Your German adventure continues, with you heading to one of the most picturesque sections of the famous Rhine River. The Rhine Valley is nestled to the north of Munich and boasts the highest concentration of castles and vineyards in Europe. Just for you, they have organised a Rhine Valley river cruise experience, so that you can relax, take in the scenery and medieval townships, whilst filling your lungs with crisp, fresh country air. As you dock at a quaint gothic German village on the banks of the Rhine, you will be checked into your hotel, and enjoy a lovely German dinner. Afterwards, why not take an evening stroll along the banks of the river, or explore the village. There is a world famous Cuckoo Clock waiting to be discovered, and a shop bearing the world's largest beer stein.
Day 11: Rhine Valley, Amsterdam (B, D)
This morning you will say your goodbyes to Germany and continue your Europe tour into the Netherlands. With your tour leader giving you a run down on local traditions and culture, you will be given an opportunity to indulge in three of the most iconic Dutch products - cheese, clogs and windmills. Checking into your hotel you have a chance to freshen up and then whisked to the centre of Amsterdam for a twilight canal cruise. Complete with pizza and ice cream, you will explore the city from below sea level and gain an alternative perspective of this eclectic and bohemian city, whilst drifting past famous landmarks, and learning about Amsterdam's interesting development. Afterwards, why not join your tour leader on a walking tour of the infamous Red Light District, and then you are free to explore the city to your heart's content. The cafes, restaurants and bars will be buzzing with activity and atmosphere.
Day 12: Amsterdam, Bruges, London (B)
After your Amsterdam adventure, you have one more stop before you set off for the UK. The Belgian city of Bruges is a small but picturesque city, with breathtaking architecture and a wonderful personality. Described as the 'Venice of the North', take some time to stretch your legs and indulge in a spot of sight-seeing. Gastronomy is its forte, you will find plenty of chocolatiers ready to educate you on the quality of their produce. After your visit, you will then be on your way back to London, crossing the English Channel on the way.
B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
